Goldenrod (Solidago) Leaf Count in Relation to Sunlight Exposure & Vegetation Density

In order to determine whether or not the number of leaves found on a Goldenrod<br>plant are directly related to the amount of sunlight that the plant receives, and the<br>vegetation density, thirty quadrat samples were randomly taken in the grassland of<br>York University. Samples of Goldenrod were then identified, and the total leaf count for each was taken<br>and the average was determined. Next, the percentage of leaves that were exposed to<br>sunlight per Goldenrod plant within the quadrat was estimated and averaged.<br>Lastly, the percentage of the quadrat that was covered with vegetation was<br>estimated. The next area to place the quadrat was determined by, moving five meters away<br>in any direction from the last spot the that quadrat was placed, then moving five<br>meters to the left, and one meter to the right.